25/82: December 4th vs. NSH

Final Score: Leafs 3, Predators 2

The Predators led this game 1-0 for most of the allotted 60 minutes after Jonathan Marchessault’s fifth goal of the season gave Nashville a 1-0 lead.

It wasn’t until after Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were reunited on the top line in the third period that they found some familiar chemistry. It took all of three minutes into the third period for Matthews to beat Juuse Saros two times - his seventh and eighth goals of the year.

A few minutes later, William Nylander scored a beautiful one-timer on a Leafs’ power-play to make give Toronto a two-goal cushion.

Of course, the Predators would make it interesting as Mark Jankowski’s first goal of the season came with under four minutes left.

The Leafs were once again able to hold on despite the late goal and aggressive push from Nashville. John Tavares scored into the empty net but the puck crossed the line after the buzzer had gone.

In watching some of Leafs Talk after the game, I have to agree with JD Bunkis and Sam McKee. Bring Luke Schenn back. He’s absolutely the perfect partner for Morgan Rielly. If the Predators continue to falter (seven wins through their first 26 games), perhaps they look to move some veterans.

Question for the Predators: Can Nashville turn around their season? They have a solid goaltender in Saros and made splashy moves this offseason, mainly with Steven Stamkos, Marchessault, and Brady Skjei - but it hasn’t translated into wins. Turning their season around as the Edmonton Oilers did last season is highly unlikely.

The Leafs host the Washington Capitals Friday. 7pm puck drop.